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Filipinos celebrate 119th Independence Day


Filipinos on Monday celebrated the 119th anniversary of independence from Spanish rule, with focal points at several historical sites around the country.

At Rizal Park in Manila, the Independence Day celebrations were led by Vice President Leni Robredo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.
 


 

 

The Philippine flag is raised at Rizal Park during the 119th Independence Day celebration on Monday, June 12, 2017. The event was led by Vice President Leni Robredo and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano. Danny Pata

 

President Rodrigo Duterte was supposed to attend the event, but skipped it as he was too tired from staying up late, Cayetano said.

At Bonifacio Shrine in Caloocan City, the flag-raising ceremony was led by Supreme Court Associate Justice Mariano Del Castillo.

 

 

 

 

Red and blue balloons were also released as part of the celebrations.

 

 

Festivity was also in the air in Kawit, Cavite, where Philippine independence was first proclaimed in 1898.

 

 

The Kawit, Cavite celebrations were led by Senator Panfilo Lacson and Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo.

 

 

Flowers were also offered at the grave of former President Emilio Aguinaldo.

 

 

Despite the ongoing crisis in Marawi City, the Philippine flag was still raised at the provincial capitol of Lanao del Sur.

 

 

Malacañang by 12 noon will pay tribute to the soldiers and innocent victims who were killed in Marawi City, as part of the commemoration of Philippine independence. —Erwin Colcol/KG, GMA News

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